What is Defensive Driving?
Definition: Defensive driving is the practice of maintaining an awareness of road and weather conditions, other vehicles, road users and potentially hazardous situations and then taking steps to prevent becoming the cause of or becoming involved in a road crash.
Arrive Alive recently released the following tips on how to drive defensively.
- Drive defensively – risk takers are collision makers.
- Avoid all distractions – keep both eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel.
- Be visible – drive with your lights on.
- Headlights should be dipped well before an approaching vehicle is within range of the main beam.
- Stay within the speed limit at all times.
- Be especially alert when approaching traffic lights, intersections and level crossings.
- Only overtake when it is absolutely safe to do so.
- Maintain at least a 3 second following distance – this distance should be increased at night, in foggy or rainy conditions and when the road is wet.
- Avoid driving on the blind spot of other vehicles.
- Be courteous towards fellow road users – keep your temper and resist the temptation to retaliate.
- Be cautious when driving alone, and avoid stopping in remote areas.
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